the matchday programme that "he has done nothing to warrant this behaviour". Brighton dropped down to 14th-place in 1970–71 under Pat Saward. In June 1971, Smith signed with Ken Roberts's Chester on a free transfer. He moved to Hartlepool United – initially on loan – in October of that year. Both teams struggled at the foot of the Football League, with Len Ashurst's "Pools" finishing just above the re-election places in 1971–72 and 1972–73. In August 1973, he moved to Bury as player-coach, but failed to appear in their league side. International career Smith won six caps for England Schoolboys and played twice for the England youth-team: in a 1–0 loss to the Netherlands in Utrecht on 9 March 1961, and a 2–0 defeat to West Germany in Flensburg three days later. Style of play Smith was a tough-tackling midfielder with aggression but limited technical skill. Managerial and coaching career Bury Smith began his managerial career with Bury in November 1973, taking over from Allan Brown. At the age of 29 he was the youngest manager in the Football League. He had initial success, guiding Bury to promotion from the Fourth Division in the fourth automatic place at the end of the 1973–74 season. He stabilised the Gigg Lane outfit in the Third Division in 1974–75 with a 14th-place finish. They went on to finish 13th in 1975–76, before finishing five points off the promotion places in 1976–77. He was sacked by Bury on 16 November 1977 after a poor start to the season. The "Shakers" finished the 1977–78 campaign in 15th place under the stewardship of Bob Stokoe. Port Vale A day after leaving Bury he was appointed as manager of Port Vale. He replaced club legend Roy Sproson, and was given a large war chest to spend after a successful lottery scheme was set up at Vale Park. He took over with the club in 21st place in the Third Division. His first game in charge was a 0–0 draw with Midland Counties League side Arnold in the First Round of the FA Cup. In January, veteran defender Graham Hawkins was signed as a player-coach from Blackburn Rovers for £6,000. Forward Neville Chamberlain also joined the club as a professional, becoming the club's first black pro. John Froggatt also joined the club, signing from Colchester United for £10,000. Chairman Arthur McPherson celebrated this abandonment of frugality by declaring